We recently caught up with Annalise bride Amanda to hear all about life after “I Do”. Amanda and her husband will be celebrating 8 years of marriage this summer! Getting to look back, reconnect with our brides, and reminisce on this special milestone is our favorite part of our new blog series.
“Ah, so many great memories with friends and family that day. I’d have to say my favorite wedding day memory would be the first look with my dad. Mike and I decided not to do a first look, as we wanted to see each other for the first time when I walked down the aisle, and being the “baby” of the family, I knew a first look with my dad would be special. I am the youngest daughter of three, first to get married, and was a daddy’s girl growing up. I’ll never forget the look on his face.”
Say Yes Moment
She first walked into our boutique doors in the fall of 2016 and said yes to ‘Dori’ by Hayley Paige. “What was there not to love about my dress? I had “pinned” the style on my Pinterest board years before our wedding. Once engaged, I looked up who sold Hayley Paige in the area. That is where I found Annalise! The tulle, high neck with crystal bodice, and open back…it was all so beautiful!”
We couldn’t agree more. ‘Dori’ by Hayley Paige was a shop favorite of our brides and staff for years! A gown we will never forget!
Although Amanda came to her bridal appointment with a favorite dress in mind, she wasn’t 100% sure it would be the one. She proceeded to try other gowns before finally putting her favorite on last. “The Dori Gown was not the first dress I tried on. I had high hopes and was worried that if I tried it on first and it didn’t work out, I’d be disappointed. It was the last dress I tried on out of the handful I grabbed, and my mom was completely speechless. I knew at that moment it was the one!”
Life After “I Do”
“It is hard to believe we will be celebrating 8 years this year! We got married July 15th, 2017 at Christopher Newport University, where I went to college. In 2021, we welcomed our son, William. He turned three in November and keeps us very busy! We hope to have one more child in the future”
We can’t wait to follow your growing family!
Advice for Future Brides Saying “Yes To The Dress”
“If a videographer is in your budget, do it! We were on the fence about it, but ended up hiring one and do not regret it. Moving images from that day are so precious! Also, have fun planning and don’t take it too seriously!”
Thank you Amanda for taking the time to reconnect with us with life after “I Do”! We loved being a part of your wedding day and helping you find your dream gown. Wishing you and your beautiful family all the best as you celebrate your 8th year of marriage!
By Emily Haynes
Photography by: Jami Thompson Photography
